Job Discussion Forums

[smitch]

Yes, I'm British so I am legally allowed to work in the EU. In fact that was something I was looking forward to after all the problems and beaurocracy with 'migraci�n' in Mexico.

[smitch]

The last couple of posts are quite encouraging; what they seem to be saying is that the problem is not my lack of CELTA, despite the fact that everywhere asks for it, but rather the fact that I haven't gone to make my case in person. Despite the fact that I was trying to avoid doing that because I was thinking either they need a teacher or they don't, and my going in person will not change that, I shall indeed take your advice and try that route.

Apart form my personal case I think it is an issue that needs to be discussed and cleared up in the world of TEFL. I have always assumed that it has more to do with filtering out a pile of CVs, which I understand - if you simply throw out all those with no CELTA, without reading any further, you've just made your life simpler as an employer.

Thanks for your input. Please keep going if you have more reflections on or experiences of this topic because, as I say, it's about time it was addressed directly.

[SirKirby]

Absolutely! If you don't have EU nationality you DEFINITELY want to go the SMALL schools and talk in person to the DoS.

If you don't have EU nationality, THAT'S the problem, not CELTA or the lack of it...

[smitch]

Yes, but I DO have EU nationality.

[spiral78]

I think it also goes back to one of my earlier points - the market's in favor of the language schools/employers just now, because the region is so popular. There are lots of newbies around who don't really take the job seriously, and that kind of attitude often leads to unreliability.

The employers can make much better judgements about you when they can see you in person - your professional, reliable, responsible appearance will go a long way towards swaying them in your favor, CELTA or no.

I sort of know what you mean about being reluctant to go without being invited - I have attacks of a sort of shyness about presenting myself in front of propsective employers without an actual appointment (thank goodness have not had to do this for some years now). But a brief, professional visit to the secretariat, asking about the possiblity of scheduling an interview, is most likely going to turn the key for you.

Good luck!

[SirKirby]

[SirKirby]